Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless, noninvasive exam that uses a magnet,
radiofrequencies, and a computer to obtain ACR accredited facility for MRIdetailed
still and moving images inside the body in real time. It is designed as a problem-solving
tool for nearly any condition in the body, from joint pain and heart problems to cancer
and trauma.
An MRI scan uses no radiation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless, noninvasive exam that uses a magnet,
radiofrequencies, and a computer to obtain ACR accredited facility for MRIdetailed
still and moving images inside the body in real time. It is designed as a problem-solving
tool for nearly any condition in the body, from joint pain and heart problems to cancer
and trauma.
An MRI scan uses no radiation.
Our Technology
Consider this: If a 1.5 Tesla MRI is a book, our 3 Tesla machines are an encyclopedia.
Most MRI centers use a 1.5 Tesla machine. At Augusta University Health, our 3 Tesla
MRIs are the most advanced in the region. Advanced equipment means:
- Your imaging times are faster.
- We can image even small parts at the highest resolution, resulting in crisp, highly
detailed pictures and more accurate diagnoses.
- We can examine not only your anatomy but also your physiology in real time. For example,
we can image your bone structure but also your heartbeat and blood vessel flow as
they happen.
- We are able to accurately predict future outcomes, such as tumor growth or the effects
of treatment, so that your doctor can better plan for these scenarios.
- We give your surgeon a clear roadmap to plan their approach and reduce the chance
of any surprises during surgery.
Patient Comfort
Our MRI center offers several unique factors for the comfort and convenience of our
patients.
- Flexible appointments. We offer evening appointments until 8 p.m. and Saturday appointments from 7 a.m.
to 8 p.m., including a Saturday clinic just for sports injuries.
- Anesthesia. Our anesthesia service can put patients to sleep during the MRI exam. This is ideal
for patients with anxiety, those with mental challenges, or children.
- Wider opening. Our 70 cm bore magnet provides the widest opening available for the comfort of larger
patients or patients who are claustrophobic, yet still provides high-quality images
according to our strict standards.
- Family-friendly. We encourage parents and family members (yes, even with adult patients!) to be in
the scanner room with their loved one.
- Control. Patients can speak with radiologists during the exam and stop the exam at any time
if they need a break.
- For patients with implants. Many hospitals are not able to scan patients with implants such as pacemakers, vagal
nerve stimulators, DBS, or other indwelling devices. We are the only center in Augusta
that, in most cases, can work with patients and still scan them with an MRI under
these circumstances.
- Reminders. We contact every patient the day before the exam to review their information, answer
any questions, and to provide directions.
What to Expect
Before your exam:
We will contact you the day before your exam to provide directions and review your
weight and other information. Tell us if you are claustrophobic and think you will
be unable to lie still while inside the scanning machine; if you have a pacemaker
inserted or have had heart valves replaced; if you have metal plates, pins, metal
implants, surgical staples, or aneurysm clips; if you have permanent eye liner or
tattoos; if you are pregnant; if you ever had a bullet wound; or if you have ever
worked with metal (i.e., a metal grinder).
Remember that you must remove all jewelry and metal objects, such as hairpins or barrettes,
hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental pieces, before your exam.
During your exam:
- During an MRI exam, you will lie on a table that slides into a tunnel.
- The MRI staff will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However,
you will be in constant sight of the staff through a window. Speakers inside the scanner
will enable the staff to communicate with and hear you. Let the staff know if you
have any problems during the procedure. We encourage your family member(s) to stay
in the exam room with you.
- During the scanning process, a clicking noise will sound as the magnetic field is
created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner. Many patients describe
it as sounding like a train. You may be given headphones to wear to help block out
the noises from the MRI scanner and hear any messages or instructions from the radiographer.
- It is important that you remain very still during the examination. A typical examination
will include multiple individual sequences.
- At intervals, you may be instructed to hold your breath, or not to breathe, for a
few seconds, depending on the body part being examined. You will then be told when
you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds,
so this should not be uncomfortable.
- The radiographer will be watching you at all times and will be in constant communication.
- You can stop the exam at any time if you feel discomfort or need a break.
Accreditation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The ACR gold seal of accreditation stands for the highest level of image quality and
patient safety and is only awarded to facilities meeting specific guidelines, technical
standards, and a peer review evaluation.